Join a discussion about the Detroit Lions at 3 p.m. on Thursday. Jim Caldwell is back. No word on Calvin Johnson's future. Plenty to discuss with new GM Bob Quinn putting his imprint on the team.

Hi, welcome to today's chat on the Lions. Since last week the decision has been made to keep Jim Caldwell on board. Still waiting word on Calvin Johnson's decision whether to retire. Ask any questions you may have and I'll do my best to answer them.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 7:59:16 PM

If you missed my story on Matthew Stafford's five most impressive stats this season, here is the link: ow.ly

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:00:05 PM

The consensus seems to be that Calvin Johnson will retire. What do you think?

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:02:40 PM

Hi Paula!! I have your book, arrived yesterday

by Larry1/21/2016 8:03:49 PM

Glad to hear that. Let me know how you like it ....

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:04:02 PM

Mr. Quinn is beginning to shake things up. Is there Family hearing/thyroid problems

by kedavis4101/21/2016 8:04:59 PM

I don't understand second part of your question. Yes, new GM Bob Quinn fired Scott McEwen a long-time Lions scout. He also fired athletic trainers. He hired a director of personnel - a position that the Lions didn't previously have. It's another guy who has a background in New England. Quinn knows what he wants and we're assuming he wants a staff similar to what he saw with the Patriots.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:07:11 PM

I can't see Calvin retiring already

by kedavis4101/21/2016 8:07:15 PM

I think the only hope he stays is that he really likes Jim Caldwell and since Caldwell and Jim Bob Cooter will be back maybe that will sway his decision. Maybe. It's tough to say since we don't know what he is thinking. Caldwell was good about giving him at least a day off from practice every week.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:08:20 PM

So, I want Calvin to stay and I think Quinn's non action may be the best route to that happening. Give Calvin space while he observes the changes you are making.

by Larry1/21/2016 8:08:25 PM

I agree. I would not push Calvin, let him make up his own mind. Quinn would be smart to reach out to him just to introduce himself, but Calvin needs some time to heal up physically and mentally. NFL seasons are a grind especially when the team starts 1-7.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:09:27 PM

Sorry about that...Is there an optimistic vibe in Allen Park?

by kedavis4101/21/2016 8:09:30 PM

I would say so. I think Quinn brings that in with him. I think people appreciate he comes from a winning organization. I also think it helps that Jim Caldwell will be back so the team can pick up where it left off. They won't need to learn new offense and defense. Players know what the coaches expect.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:11:05 PM

Why quit when the team is showing growth?

by kedavis4101/21/2016 8:11:09 PM

I know, but when the season was over Calvin didn't know what was coming. Maybe he didn't want to start over with a new coach, maybe just the grind was getting to him.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:12:06 PM

Do the Lions not have anyone at the East West Shrine? I do not see anyone being interviewed by the lions?

by Larry1/21/2016 8:12:22 PM

I don't know for certain but I would think the Lions have some scouts there.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:12:52 PM

I'm on the Quinn Bandwagon. What if Caldwell starts the season let's say 1 - 3. I was hoping for a complete cleansing but will give Quinn the benefit of the doubt.

by OswegoLion1/21/2016 8:13:00 PM

I agree, Quinn does seem like a good hire. In a Sirius interview yesterday he said he spent about 12 hours over a few days talking to Caldwell to make sure they could work together, that they had the same philosophies. I have no idea if there will be a short leash for Caldwell. Much depends on the schedule, injuries, etc.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:14:34 PM

What percentage of players are working out/rehabbing in the facility?

by kedavis4101/21/2016 8:14:37 PM

I don't know the answer to that. Usually at this time of year there aren't very many at the facility. Most go to their offseason homes until official workouts start in April. Still they work out no matter where they are. If they are coming off an injury they can get the protocol to do rehab near their homes.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:16:06 PM

Any chance Calvin would be interested in coaching? I do not see him in front of a camera.

by Larry1/21/2016 8:16:09 PM

I don't see Calvin as a coach. If he wants to get away from the grind, coaching is not the answer. Those guys work hard. And certainly while Calvin is a great guy, not sure he's a TV guy like Nate Burleson (who I think is top-notch). ... Not sure what Calvin will do if he retires - maybe work for his foundation and other charity work.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:18:44 PM

Any odds on the return of IAQ, Whitehead, Ngata, or Walker?

by kedavis4101/21/2016 8:18:53 PM

Good question: I think it would make sense to bring all four back at the right price. Ngata made $8.5 million this year - that has to come WAY down. They just got a glimpse of Walker before he was injured. He's fairly young and I don't think he'd be too expensive. Whitehead said after the season that he'd like to be a starter so I don't know if that will affect his decision on whether to return. Isa Abdul-Quddus really had a terrific second half and can just get better. He's just 26. It's hard to put odds on it, since I have no idea how Quinn will look at it. IF any of these guys want to break the bank, they might have to look elsewhere. The Patriots are famous for not paying huge salaries and that might be the mindset of Bob Quinn.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:23:00 PM

Quinn is building his infrastructure first and will play the long game. I expect no major in season coaching changes, just not in his style.

by Larry1/21/2016 8:23:11 PM

I would tend to agree on that. He made the decision to keep Caldwell and I think he will give him a chance. Look what happened this year after the 1-7 start. It seems many owners/fans/GMs have run out of patience in the NFL but it can be key. Look at the Chiefs, they started this season 1-5, won 10 straight and got into the playoffs.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:25:31 PM

Schedule is very favorable compared to this year. It has to be playoffs and a few wins or out.for Caldwell.

by OswegoLion1/21/2016 8:25:40 PM

Yes, it should be an easier schedule. Along with the NFC North opponents, the Lions will be hosting the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans. Road games will include NFC North opponents and the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:28:22 PM

The age, quality and experience of our roster is win now or wait another decade.

by OswegoLion1/21/2016 8:28:36 PM

I'm not sure I totally agree with that. There are some veterans, but a ton of young talent like Ansah, Slay, Abdullah, Zenner, Abdul-Quddus, Devin Taylor, Caraun Reid and many more. Plus Matthew Stafford is just 27 - he'll be 28 on Super Bowl Sunday.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:30:37 PM

Maybe Quinn hopes Calvin retires, to save him the PR nightmare of cutting him if he wont redo contract.

by Larry1/21/2016 8:30:46 PM

I think if Calvin decides to stay they'll be able to work out a deal. Calvin is not all about the money and would understand the Lions need the cap space to build a team around him. I just don't see that being contentious if it happens.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:32:10 PM

what players or position do you think Quinn will try to sign in FA?

by Jim1/21/2016 8:32:30 PM

Much of that depends on which Lions he wants to keep. He's got 24 of them who can become free agents. If Calvin does retire I think they'll draft WRs, but also might try to bring in a veteran. If he doen't sign Ngata he might look at veteran DTs. Also, not sure what he'll do with offensive line but it needs help and not sure he can depend on draft for immediate upgrades.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:34:02 PM

I'm VERY happy with sharing the wealth, instead of a few paid a lot or too much.

by kedavis4101/21/2016 8:34:12 PM

That just seems to work out for the Patriots. They develop young guys that they don't need to pay so much instead of signing big-name, big-money free agents - for the most part. Not sure how quickly Quinn can get the Lions in that mode. Needs to have young guys coming up at certain positions. I do think he's a good hire, but he's not a miracle worker so we'll see.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:35:46 PM

I think we need to be cautious in our expectations. We have some talent, but not nearly enough to win a superbowl. Schedule looks favourable, but all teams will be attempting to improve. We still will have 6 games in a very tough division.

by Larry1/21/2016 8:36:01 PM

Yes, I wouldn't be planning on a Super Bowl a year from now. One step at a time. I would expect a playoff win and then who knows. I think depth is the key. Look at the Patriots this year they were decimated by injury and still able to keep it together - that comes from depth. I think the Lions have a pretty good core group of guys but there are holes to fill. I think one reason Quinn kept Caldwell is that the coach is huge on teaching and developing young guys and he's got a good staff to get that done.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:38:32 PM

We can sustain winning if we draft well.

by kedavis4101/21/2016 8:38:42 PM

That's the key and that will be huge for Quinn. it's going to be interesting because obviously a ton of the scouting has been done during the fall. That's why he can't fire all the scouts now. Quinn said at his press conference last week he puts much weight on guys who are drafted in sixth and seventh rounds. Also he would like to sign a few undrafted rookie free agents each year. Think Zach Zenner.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:41:13 PM

Maybe Calvin wants to be cut/traded - its a possibility

by Jim1/21/2016 8:41:18 PM

I guess it is, but I think Calvin has said he wants to stay in Detroit. Maybe he's changed his mind. I don't think this is a ploy to get traded. I really don't. I also don't think it has anything to do with money.

by Paula Pasche 1/21/2016 8:42:51 PM

I agree, Calvin though an exceptional player, from the outside, his contact looks too large.

by kedavis4101/21/2016 8:42:55 PM

It is a large contract, but that's what the Lions had to do to keep him when he signed it in March 2012. He's set to make $15.95 million next year. That's not the big issue though. He will count $24 million against the salary cap. If he retires or is cut he'll still count $12.9 million against the cap.